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This paper describes an approach to automated testing of science instrument flight software using scripted commanding, telemetry capture, and intelligent telemetry verification. The most difficult piece of this approach, telemetry verification, is accomplished with a JPL-developed software package, HKCheck, which takes user- defined packet formats, error conditions, and goals, and verifies that binary telemetry meets the specified conditions. Packet formats are defined using an ASCII file, easily created in any text editor. Test-specific and context-specific error conditions are expressed using a simple C-like notation, enabling large amounts of telemetry from normal flight operation or system testing to be rapidly scanned for anomalous telemetry. Goals, like waypoints, are similarly expressed in simple notation, and allow telemetry analysts or test conductors to look for specific events in the telemetry stream. The power and flexibility of the HKCheck error and goal specification language enables context-dependent analysis of telemetry, and rapid, repeatable analysis of test results, encouraging more frequent testing, and reducing the risk of human error in test analysis. Use of HKCheck on Mars Climate Sounder enabled full regression testing of flight software every month or two, rather than just on major deliveries, giving developers confidence that software was working correctly and uncovering potential bugs earlier in the development cycle than standard methods allow. It has since been used, with extensions, on other flight projects as well.

A portable multi-channel telemetry system which can be used for brain stimulation and neuronal activity recording in freely behaving small animals is described here. This system consists of three major components of headstage, backpack and portable Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The headstage contains high precision instrument amplifiers with high input impedance. The backpack is comprised of two parts: (1) a main board (size: 36 mm x 22 mm x 3.5 mm and weight: 40 g with batteries, 20 g without), with current/voltage stimulator and special circuit suitable for neuronal activity recording and (2) and a bluetooth transceiver, with a high data transmission rate up to 70 kb/s, suitable for downloading stimulation commands and uploading acquired data. We recorded neuronal activities of the primary motor area of a freely behaving rat with 12-bit resolution at 12 k samples/s. The recorded data and analysis results showed that the system was successful by comparing with the commercial equipment Cerebus 128-Channel Data Acquisition System (Cyberkinetics Inc.). Using the PDA, we can control stimulation and recording. It provides a flexible method to do some research work in the circumstances where other approaches would be difficult or impossible.

According to the reentry telemetry data acquisition system's features and special requirements, this paper introduces a novel reentry telemetry data acquisition system. With two high-speed DSP chips and ping-pong storage, it realizes acquisition function of hundreds of slow-changing signals. And the system can meet the needs of high-speed data acquisition, transmission and storage with low error rate and easy maintenance in practice.

In the range, block house telemetry plays an important role in providing quick look telemetry data of the airborne vehicle, particularly for initial phase of the trajectory to the range experts for their decision-making and control. Presently blockhouse telemetry front-end helical antenna is manually steered at the blockhouse top. This is a concern of safety and does not give any guarantee of acquiring data due to the poor visibility when the airborne vehicle goes far off. The paper describes prototype model of portable tracking antenna system that facilitates the user to control antenna both in manual and auto mode remotely from the block house. An array of four helical antennas were used to generate the dc tracking error in both azimuth and elevation plane. It also explains a control mechanism by which antenna systems are steered in both azimuth as well as elevation plane using power transistors and permanent magnet direct current motors. This method uses AGC comparison, which is relatively simpler and economical than conventional single channel amplitude comparison mono pulse or electronic scanning tracking method. The prototype was developed, tested and successfully driven the antenna in both manual as well as auto mode for real time telemetry data acquisition for airborne vehicle at blockhouse.

These In this paper we propose internet based real time telemetry distribution system to broadcast the telemetry data from any control base station in the world through telemetry web site. Any related person can access the telemetry web site to verify their interesting telemetry data in real-time with permission. This kind of real time telemetry broadcasting system is cost-effective solution for small organization that has a limit to access the large private communication network infrastructure to send and receive the data in real time. This proposed internet based real-time telemetry system will be very useful to reduce the cost of operation owing to the current stable internet infrastructure in the world. This system consists of ground base station to receive the telemetry signal from satellite including antennas, receiver, transmitter, modulator, demodulator, and sub-system, with interface board to give all the telemetry information to the telemetry PC. The received telemetry data will be extracted, archived, displayed and published across web in real time. In this paper we will demonstrate the hardware structure of this system, related software requirement.

Telemetry retrieval and monitoring is one of the basic functionalities of every satellite Electrical Ground Support Equipment, EGSE. There are hence a vast number of different tools and systems available for this purpose. Most of these systems have been, however, developed in the context of individual satellite projects or in some cases even a single payload. A limited number of multi-mission and more general purposed telemetry retrieval systems exist presently as an integrated part of major commercial EGSE systems, which are used at the professional satellite control centres. The use of these systems in a new satellite projects requires respectively certain adaptation of the system or the satellite hardware/software. Another lacking functionality of many telemetry retrieval systems is their local accessibility, where there is no or limited remote interface to the system through the internet. In this paper a low-cost, modular and flexible telemetry retrieval system with a server-client based architecture is presented. It allows the remote clients to login to the system through the internet, using conventional web-browsers and monitor the satellite telemetry data in real-time during a satellite pass. It also offers functionalities for off-line data analysing, graphical visualising and telemetry database administration through the web interface. The system has been developed at the German Aerospace Centre, DLR and the TU-Berlin and is being used for retrieving telemetry data of the DLR satellite BIRD at TUBerlin. The ESA Young Engineers Satellite, YES2 is another potential user of the system. The complete platform independency of the system and its pure object oriented and modular software architecture makes it a highly flexible and reusable telemetry retrieval and monitoring system. The objective of an easy adaptation and cross-mission reusability of the system has been the major design deriver and has lead to the development of a dedicated Application Programming Interface, API. Satellite engineers can use the introduced API to develop new modules and to extend the existing ones, in order to adapt the system to the requirements of a new satellite project.

The Telemetry Group of the Range Commanders Council has prepared this document to foster the compatibility of test methods for telemetry systems and subsystems at the member ranges. These standards do not necessarily define the existing capability of any test range, but constitute a guide for the orderly usage of test methods for telemetry systems and subsystems for both ranges and range users. The ultimate purpose is to ensure efficient interoperability between ranges, and compatibility of range user equipment with the ranges. TA telemetry system measurement begins with the sensing of a measurand by a transducer located either on a test vehicle or at a remote test site. It ends at a data storage/display device located at a receiving test site. Systems interconnected by radio links, direct wiring or electrooptical means, or any combination, are included. To ensure that data is of the highest possible quality, individual components should be tested and calibrated in a suitable laboratory before installing the system. Subsequently, the telemetry system should be subjected to a carefully conducted end-to-end calibration check just before, during, and immediately after the actual test. This document is intended to address general methodologies and techniques, and no attempt has been made to cover all possible cases.

A telemetry system which can measure u p to eight different EMG signals at the same time is presented. The system is full portable, c ontaining a bidirectional telemetry link with a personal computer. The whole system has been optimized to achieve a low-power measuring system, without losing any signal information up to 250 Hz. All settings of the system c an be set and controlled by the personal computer.

This experiment is to develop and implement an Internet based telemetry system. Telemetry is a science of automatically measuring or recording data from one or more instruments and transmitting them over a distance. The transmission of the data can be done over wires or radio waves but this experiment is implementing transmission of the data through the Internet. The system is consisting of local portion and remote portion. In the local portion, data are collected from external measuring devices (EMD) and interfaced to be stored into a local computer, which is connected to the Internet and functions as a server. In the remote portion, it consists of any remote computer that can access to the Internet and are able to access to the data from the local computer (the server) through the Internet. Hardware comprising a PIC microcontroller applied in interfacing circuits is developed to enable communication between the EMD and the local computer. Software programs are also developed for getting data and presenting Web pages to the user at both the local and remote computers. With the Internet based telemetry system, measured data can be accessed globally.

The Advanced Range Telemetry Integration and Support (ARTM I&S) program is developing a novel web-based system for automated testing and setup of telemetry receiving systems. This system shares test equipment between multiple tracking systems and allows for automated bit error rate (BER) as well as solar calibration tests. Complete receiver and bit synchronizer configurations can be stored to and recalled from a central database. The web-based implementation easily allows remote control utilization. This paper describes the software architecture and capabilities.

This paper describes the design of a virtual instrument (VI) for the remote telemetry station (RTS) of a radio telemetry system. The graphical programming language from LabVIEW was used to design and construct the VI. The task of RTS is to acquire, process, display and transmit environmental conditions data such as atmospheric pressure, humidity and temperature to the base telemetry station (BTS) via RF. The scope of this paper is to focus on the design and development of the RTS VI, which is composed of front panel and block diagram. The front panel was designed so that the user can control the acquisition and observe the data being acquired in numerical and graphical format on the computer screen. The block diagram, which is the program code was developed using graphical functions for controlling the front panel objects.

This paper displays the first prototype for a very low power consuming and portable micro projector. The described prototype may be integrated in a vast set of applications such as a screen alternative device in a portable computer or a cellular phone. The low power consumption is critical factor for such application in order to allow operation from the portable battery of the above-mentioned devices. The paper presents and discussed the vast set of possible applications as well as the prototype’s measured technical set of performance.

In this system, up to five test articles can be supported concurrently in real time. Data are received via both low- and high-speed telemetry links into a common data acquisition subsystem. The data acquisition subsystem consists of Metraplex and Aydin monitor hardware. Data is then routed into several-purpose telemetry preprocessors where they are tagged, edited and processed. The low-speed telemetry preprocessors are designed to use SEL 3270 computers. The new high-speed telemetry preprocessors use VAX 8600 coupled with Micro VAX II. In the architecture, the analysis and display elements have been combined to form an intelligent workstation environment using commercially available computers and displays. Each workstation can execute several real-time programs and direct data to two 19" high resolution monitors. Function keys, programmable latch keys and other user friendly input devices allow the test engineer to interact with the system and support the test requirements. >

The general architecture and functionality of the MacTAC (Macintosh II based telemetry and command) system, including the individual telemetry modules, the various input-output interfaces, and the flexible user interface are described. This system performs telemetry data processing functions including frame synchronization, Reed-Solomon decoding, and packet reassembly at moderate data rates of up to 5 Mb/s sustained (20 Mb/s burst). The MacTAC is an easy-to-use, low-cost, transportable system designed to meet requirements specified by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems, while remaining flexible enough to support a wide variety of other space data processing requirements (e.g., time-division multiplexed data). In addition, the MacTAC can generate forward (uplink) data such as spacecraft commands, calculate and append a CRC, and output the data to NASCOM (NASA's ground communication network) to provide full telemetry and command capability. Semicustom VLSI gate arrays perform many of the return link (telemetry) functions of NASCOM deblocking, correlation, and frame synchronization. Reed-Solomon decoding and source packet reassembly are performed by modern microprocessor and semicustom VLSI components. >

A pocket-size portable telephone for a digital cellular system is described. The telephone's design basis, the configuration of the portable phone radio unit, software configuration, major parameters and interfaces for G3 facsimile transmission and MNP modem (V.42 ANNEX) transmission are presented. This portable telephone features small size, high speech quality, long stand-by time, high quality data communication and an excellent man-machine interface.

This paper describes a general purpose biomedical telemetry system consisting of an implantable VLSI chip and an RS232 compatible remote telemetry receiver. The implant supports a variety of programmable options to provide compatibility with a number of commercially available sensors. Additional hardware is included for the variation of sample rates and their occurrence to allow support for sensors of various speed. Also included is the capability to store samples in an internal static RAM, allowing the biological host to operate in its own environment without the need for an external monitor. Covered is the architecture of the proposed telemetry system, methods of implementation through HDL and comparative results obtained from these implementations.

The NASA Dryden Flight Test Center (DFRC) evaluated an optical device used as a visual aid in landing hypervelocity aircraft. Pilot performance in landing an F-104 instrumented with the Research External Vision Device (REVD) at Edwards Air Force Base was characterized by means of precision laser tracking and telemetry of the aircraft state. A self-contained mobile laser tracking system and telemetry acquisition system was designed and configured to provide the required position tracking and telemetry acquisition. Wireless air links providing internet connectivity to the DRFC computer network and automation of initial target acquisition for laser track operation were key factors in the development of a low cost, mobile position tracking and telemetry capability operable by a single person. Mission data support capabilities include real-time laser tracking and correlation with telemetry data; real-time displays; and internet access to all acquired flight test data. >

This portable computerized data acquisition system was developed to assist those maintaining industrial gas turbines. The original system was designed to easily interface with a single type of control system. As the benefits accruing to users of the portable system became apparent, modifications were made to allow easy connection to other control systems. An integral component of the PortaScan system was the portable computer. When slotless laptops became ubiquitous, the data acquisition hardware was redesigned to fit into a single suitcase and be controlled through the laptop's printer port. At the same time, the new system was redesigned to reduce manufacturing costs and increase its marketability by incorporating previous modifications for interfacing with any control or instrumentation system. This portable data acquisition and analysis system is proving its worth as a cost-effective tool in operating and maintaining industrial gas turbines. Users throughout the world report substantial savings from using PortaScan.

We developed the system which enables a patient to be treated at home during their daily life through digital telemetry and public communication line. In this study, remote diagnosis system based on video conferencing and wireless telemetry system were integrated together to form a remote monitoring homecare system, and the overall system underwent the validation. Test ECG signals were transmitted wirelessly not hindering a patient's movement in one floor of our building, and the stability was assessed. The signals were transmitted to remote host via ISDN, with a patients voice and moving image. To control the system and manage files remotely, the interactive model was devised for this study.

The need to move large volumes of data and control signals between an instrument complex and command center for such diverse oceanographic systems as a remotely controlled deep towed survey sled, a tethered ROV test vehicle and a multi-sensor shallow water observatory complex have lead to the development of a versatile high speed fiber optic telemetry system for use with a broad range of sensors and system architecture's. Since this telemetry system is intended to provide communications between a wide variety of oceanographic sensors, such as analog sonar, high resolution electronic still cameras and Ethernet, it has been designed to be modular, with the use of plug in circuit cards comprising the interface to specific sensors. With a full duplex usable capacity of 100 megabits per second in each direction, the telemetry system will operate over a pair of single mode or multi mode fibers, and with the addition of a wave division multiplexer, single fiber bi-directional operation is possible. This paper provides an overview of the design considerations used to develop the telemetry system which has broad applications in oceanographic data acquisition and control. Originally developed for a deep towed imaging vehicle operated by the Naval Oceanographic Office, the telemetry system provides the user with many simultaneous independent data channels, each with deterministic transit time and low latency. Inherent modularity of the fundamental fiber optic telemetry system design gives the vehicle operators the flexibility to upgrade or add new sensors to the tow sled as their requirements dictate. This versatility is demonstrated by showing the use of the telemetry In the tethered ROV TROV, and as the communication link currently operating between the LEO-15 seafloor observatory off the cost of New Jersey and the LEO shore station at the Rutgers University facility in Tuckerton.

The US Army AFDD recently completed flight testing of a CH-47 helicopter to refine the handling qualities requirements for cargo-class rotorcraft. A self contained mobile laser tracking system and telemetry acquisition system was designed and configured to provide the requisite position tracking and telemetry acquisition. Real time tracking data correlated with aircraft acquired telemetry data was used to drive a real time display monitor. The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and capabilities of this computer graphics generated display developed specifically for the purposes of real-time flight test visualization.

NASA's Small Spacecraft Technology Initiative (SSTI) is developing two "pathfinder" spacecraft, Lewis and Clark, to demonstrate a better, faster, cheaper approach to gain valuable space science and technology. SSTI is a two year to flight program. The science instruments and several of the advanced technology demonstrations each require periods of high bandwidth telemetry. These requirements cannot all be met simultaneously with a conventional fixed telemetry stream, given the relatively low bandwidth of the communication link. A Variable Telemetry Protocol (VTP) and associated flight and ground software have been developed for the SSTI Clark program to handle the temporal variation in telemetry bandwidth during the mission. The VTP protocol is capable of modifying the content and rate of the telemetry stream based on a simple ground command. This paper will discuss the software implemented in the Command and Data Handling subsystem for the collection, storage and flow control of telemetry in a multiprocessor environment. In addition, a relational database management system will be discussed which captures all required telemetry attributes and automatically generates flight code used to setup measurement storage, processing and monitoring functions. This database also contains a built-in communication link simulation to test telemetry configurations against the capability of the communication link and associated contact profile.

The objective of this paper is to discuss on the implementation of cryptographic security algorithms for radio telemetry using the graphical programming software from National Instruments known as LabVIEW. The telemetry system consists of a remote telemetry station (RTS) and base telemetry station (BTS) for acquiring and monitoring environmental conditions respectively. RTS setup includes a desktop computer integrated with a data acquisition system, 1200 bps modem and GP300 Motorola walkie talkie (see Ghodgaonkar, D.K. et al., IEEE Proceedings Malaysia Section 2nd National Conference on Telecommunications Technology, p.88-93, 1998). The BTS has the same setup as the RTS except that it does not have a data acquisition system. The walkie-talkie operating frequency is 477.1 MHz with FM transmission. A combination of One Time Pad (OTP) and Caesar Cipher cryptographic algorithms are implemented in order to safeguard the information from eavesdroppers. OTP was chosen because it is suitable for low bit rate data.

This study presents a computer program, developed to support a low-cost, portable telemetry system that has been designed to assess footfall timing. This software frees the user from data processing and allows concentration on data analysis. The new technique has been applied with accuracy and reliability to the analysis of the gait of orthopedic patients, athletes, mountaineers, etc. The subroutines developed for data acquisition, storage and analysis are explained in detail, and an example is presented. Comput Methods Programs Biomed

Complex systems such as an aircraft requires continuous development due to rapid changes in technology and the fast growing demands of users. Users are mainly interested in collecting test data to monitor performance of existing systems for future modifications due to demands imposed by users requirements. This is normally achieved through a series of instrumented test nights that telemeter data of interest to a night centre. The prime concern of this research work is the efficient utilisation of telemetry frame formats known as the Data Cycle Map (DCM). DCM represents parameters sampled at different rates during night testing compliant to a telemetry standard known as the Inter Range instrumentation Group (IRIG). In a previously reported research work, the author presented a methodology based on algorithms similar to those adopted in memory management techniques within a multi-environment operating systems to optimally utilise the space allocation for a telemetry frame. In this paper, the author adopts the previous work in an interactive user-friendly environment using Visual C++. This approach, will provide users with visualisation and flexibility to choose between different Past or intermediate DCM in a more efficient approach. The framework provides an effective DCM utilisation, yet requires the intervention of the user.

Attention is given to current activities in the Embedded Data Processor and Portable Computer Technology testbed configurations that are part of the Advanced Data Systems Architectures Testbed at the Information Sciences Division at NASA Ames Research Center. The Embedded Data Processor Testbed evaluates advanced microprocessors for potential use in mission and payload applications within the Space Station Freedom Program. The Portable Computer Technology (PCT) Testbed integrates and demonstrates advanced portable computing devices and data system architectures. The PCT Testbed uses both commercial and custom-developed devices to demonstrate the feasibility of functional expansion and networking for portable computers in flight missions.

The purpose of the present study was to check the reliability of measurements of oxygen uptake (VO2) using a newly developed portable telemetry system. This system (K2) consisted of a face mask, a flow meter, a gas analyser with a transmitter, and a receiver. The total mass for the subject to carry was about 850 g. Three experiments were carried out, firstly to check the reliability and reproducibility of the flow meter and the K2 gas analyser, secondly to check the accuracy of K2 by comparing it with the Douglas bag method (DB), and thirdly to apply K2 to sports activities. In the first experiment, the flow meter was highly accurate up to 180 l·min−1 with good reproducibility. The measurement error of the gas analyser was less than 2%. In the second experiment, there was no significant difference in the calculated ventilation between K2 and DB. The VO2 showed no significant difference between K2 and DB with some exceptions. In the third experiment, we succeeded in the measurement of VO2 during rowing on water. The measurement of VO2 during running and playing soccer was also possible. It would seem that the present system could well be a powerful tool in the field measurement of VO2 during various sports activities.

SATDAS (Satellite Data Acquisition System) is a data acquisition system utilizing a satellite telemetry link that has been developed for Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, N.Y. It is to be used for air-sea interaction and oceanographic experiments. It is microprocessor-based with all functions under software control. These include data interrogation and acquisition, timing control, tape storage, and data telemetry. Data processing programs are included to calculate averages, variances, and covariances. Diagnostic routines are included for system self-test. The use of the microprocessor has resulted in a very simple configuration with an accordingly high level of reliability. Telemetry to shore is via the GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite). SATDAS provides a unique combination of in situ processing, system self-check, on-board recording, and satellite telemetry.

We have built a radio-echo sounder which utilizes a low-frequency broad-band impulse transmitter and a microprocessor-based digital-recording system. The unit is mounted on skis and power is delivered by a small generator and batteries. The receiver uses a portable digital storage oscilloscope which passes data via a microprocessor unit to a cassette tape for off-line analysis on a personal computer. Though originally intended primarily for sounding temperate ice, the system has been tested in the Antarctic during the 1987–88 field season with good results. The radar performed well there and also in field tests and subsequent studies on South Cascade Glacier, Washington, and many interesting results were obtained. An oblique incidence profile, where transmitter-receiver separation varied, was used to study the dielectric permittivity of the ice and to locate internal layers at shallow depths. The sounder was also deployed in conjunction with hot-water drilling experiments attempting to create cavities at known locations within the ice. Wave forms from different transmitter–receiver orientations around the bore hole were combined in the off-line analysis to produce a more directional synthetic aperture emphasizing returns from the bore-hole region. Changes in the radar echoes from within the ice were not seen during these experiments, possibly because the drilling was not able to create regions with dimensions or orientations approximating those of naturally occurring cavities.

A low-cost FM radio telemetry system was developed to allow remote, real-time monitoring of field data describing tractor operational parameters and energy inputs to implements. Data were collected using a tractor-mounted, microcomputer-based acquisition system. The telemetry system, constructed using commercially available 1200-baud telephone modems and hand-held FM two-way radios, allowed a remote computer to receive, decode, and verify the data processed by the computer aboard the tractor. The remote computer displayed the data in a template identical to that displayed on the operator monitor located within the tractor cab.

A radio telemetry system is described which satisfies the data acquisition requirements for research in the field of military environmental medicine. The adoption of digital encoding, transmitting, and recording techniques, and the development of a methodology which features serial interrogation by a portable data recording station, have resulted in the construction of a 100-subchannel facility capable of precise measurement and recording of a variety of physiological measurands during field maneuvers. The basic equipment configuration includes a data recording station which generates the time base for interrogation and produces a punched paper tape suitable for direct computer entry and five associated data acquisition stations carried by test subjects performing military tasks in environmental extremes. All units are selfcontained, battery-powered, solid-state packages compatible with standard army load carrying systems.

This paper describes how a natural gas transmission company improves operating efficiency and further increases its sales by the use of a process control computer, connected on-line to an existing telemetry system. The telemetry and instrumentation which is necessary for the on-line computer was installed as part of an overall automation program. Descriptions of the telemetry and instrumentation are included, together with a description of the computer system. The program and methods used to improve the operating economy by efficient utilization of the pipeline facilities are discussed. The existing on-line computer system has been operational since November, 1965.

The 24-channel 455 Mc/s telemetry system has been the most widely used system in Great Britain for many years. This paper describes the principles common to all the present types of receiving and recording equipment in use on the ranges. Certain of the equipments are described in greater detail; these include receivers, a sixteen-tube slow-speed recorder and a histogram recorder with data processing facilities. The paper concludes with a description of a comprehensive test set for checking and calibrating telemetry senders.

An equipment is described for processing magnetic tape recordings of frequency-modulated time-multiplexed telemetry data. Details are given of the way in which the input signals are derived and the method by which the recordings are made. The equipment produces two forms of output: analogue graphs on paper film and digital records on punched cards. The performance achieved and the methods of checking this performance are detailed.

A core temperature telemetry system is described which includes a transmitter and circuitry for signal reception, noise elimination and computer interfacing. The system is inexpensive (less than $50), easily constructed, reliable, portable, and has proven to be sensitive to rapid fluctuations in core temperature.

This Telemetry Checkout Station (TCS) is designed to automatically perform many measurements on the Saturn V vehicle telemetry links. Its unique features include real-time digitizing and computer-controlled station setup, data processing, and self-check. Standard telemetry equipment is used to receive, demodulate, and process the various signals. Analog signals are automatically digitized and assembled into a predetermined time slot. Each word of the constructed wave train is scaled and calibrated, using stored calibration values. The data is outputted to the launch vehicle checkout equipment for final evaluation. This station handles many various automatic tests merely by changing its computer programs.